Heavenly fined for environmental violations

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Heavenly Mountain Resort has been fined more than $90,000 for several violations of California environmental laws, according to a Wednesday press release from the California Department of Toxic Substances Control.

The violations stem from a 2010 inspection of the resort and center around the upper maintenance shop above Heavenly’s California Lodge.

Violations from the inspection included failing to have controls to prevent spillage of a used oil tank, failing to have the used oil tank assessed and inspected, failing to provide refresher training to a hazardous waste manager and failing to maintain secondary containment for the used oil tank and connected pipes.

A February court filing also alleges aerosol cans were not properly disposed of and the ski resort did not have a required eyewash and shower for employees who became contaminated with hazardous waste.

Heavenly was penalized $94,000 for the violations and charged $26,000 to cover the DTSC’s administrative costs, according to Wednesday’s release.

Resort spokesman Russ Pecoraro emphasized there was no spill associated with the violations. He also noted the area where the violations happened is not near any perennial streams and is far away from Lake Tahoe. The ski resort has worked with the DTSC to ensure it is following environmental regulations, Pecoraro said. The resort is currently in compliance, he said.

“Compliance with the Hazardous Waste Control Law is vital to protecting the environment close to Lake Tahoe,” said Paul Kewin, assistant deputy director of DTSC’s Enforcement and Emergency Response Program, in the release. “This settlement signifies the department’s continuing efforts to uphold both environmental safety and compliance with existing law.”

A new waste oil tank was installed at the upper maintenance shop in May, according to the February filing.

“Compliance with the Hazardous Waste Control Law is vital to protecting the environment close to Lake Tahoe.” Paul Kewin, Assistant deputy director of DTSC’s Enforcement and Emergency Response Program